Advanced Hydroinformatic Tools for Modelling of Reservoirs Operation

Abstract

Reservoirs are used to control water flows through downstream waterways: downstream water supply, irrigation, flood control, canals and recreation for hydroelectricity generation. Operation policy is essential for reservoir operation because the impact of the operation on the environment, society and economy is significant. In the context of climate change, special attention should be paid to the following functions of reservoirs: flood control through retain water during high rainfall events to prevent or reduce downstream flooding - in this case the reservoir should be as empty in order to retain a larger volume of water from precipitation and runoff; water supply and irrigation, especially in periods of drought - in this case the reservoir should be as full in order to ensure the necessary volumes of water. A special attention should be given to electricity generation; a reservoir built for hydroelectricity generation can reduce the net production of greenhouse gases when compared to other sources of energy. Therefore, developments of reservoirs operating regulations are very important. The advanced hydroinformatic help to develop these regulations for different scenarios of dangerous hydrological phenomena: heavy and abundant rainfall; rapid snowmelt and drought. Such a tool is MIKE HYDRO Basin software, developed by DHI – Institute for Water and Environment. MIKE HYDRO Basin is a multi-purpose, map-centric decision support tool for integrated river basin analysis, planning and management. This paper contains also a case study: modelling of operation of three reservoirs (Gozna, Valiug and Secu) located in Superior Barzava hydrographic basin.